By Shelby Jackson, VRG Intern

Taking Action for Animals 2012 was held on the beautifully sunny weekend of July 27-30 at the Washington Marriot Wardman Park in downtown Washington, DC. With appearances by Congressman Sam Farr, and television news journalist Jane Velez-Mitchell, TAFA2012 offered a variety of experienced professionals and informative sessions.

The Taking Action for Animal conference attracted both vegetarian activists and omnivore animal activists, with sessions covering issues including shark finning, animal experimentation, advocating for Pit Bull dogs, horse welfare, and captive wildlife. A good portion of TAFA attendees were well versed in veganism and stopped by the VRG table to chat, or to tell us how much they appreciate the VRG. Others stopped by to grab a brochure to pass along to a relative who recently became vegetarian, or because they were interested in learning more. Many had specific questions related to veganism: how to properly cook black beans or how to get enough plant-based protein. There were a good number of vegetarians seeking more information about veganism and everyone seemed enthusiastic about the Vegetarian Journals being passed out.

Caryn Ginsberg was at the conference with her book Animal Impact, and I was fortunate to hang out and help her during her book signing. There were many individuals interested in Ginsberg’s application of market strategy to animal advocacy, which seemed to reflect the larger desire of TAFA attendees to attain practical techniques to leave the conference with, and to apply to their own advocacy efforts. TAFA2012 offered a professional atmosphere, one characterized by a collective energy manifesting in a contagion of newfound support and inspiration. The VRG’s table was an undeniable contributor of this collective energy. Our presence, combined with the many conversations we initiated, exposed advocates to the connection between dietary consumption and advocating for the well being of animals.

To support The Vegetarian Resource Group tabling and outreach efforts, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

As we previously mentioned, eight Subway Restaurants in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia tested three vegan meat substitutes: the Sweet Riblet, the Malibu Greek, and the Italian Black Bean subs. These items quickly sold out. (Our staff’s favorite was the Sweet Riblet.)

Compassion Over Killing would like readers to contact Subway to encourage Subway to continue this test and add the items nationwide. Please write positive notes encouraging the addition of vegan items to:

http://WeLoveSubway.com

Subway, 325 Bic Drive, Milford, CT 06460

For more information about other restaurant options, see:
http://www.vrg.org/fastfoodinfo.htm
http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

VRG is up for a Veggie Award in the category of “Favorite Vegan Nonprofit Organization.” You can vote for us by visiting: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VegNewsVeggieAwards2012. Voting is open until August 31.

By Shelby Jackson, VRG Intern

I am usually pretty quick to pick favorites when it comes to restaurant entrées, but not with The Land of Kush. As someone who grew up in the south eating barbecue meats and lots of macaroni and cheese, I’d have to say the Land of Kush really hit the spot with their savory, smoky Kush BBQ Ribs and Baked Mac & Cheese. Though the latter does not necessarily taste how I remember, it was buttery and creamy, and I will definitely be going back for seconds. The texture and flavor of the Sweet & Sour Seitan, with its tangy sauce and tender texture, reminded me of the brisket my mom used to make. Both the Ribs and the Seitan were extremely hearty and satisfying and the leftovers tasted great on a sandwich the next day.

The Chick-un Salad Wrap tastes exactly like real chicken, according to my omnivore boyfriend who has ordered it twice. His next favorite were the ribs, which were “good, but not real ribs.” Coming from a boy who grew up in Kansas City and is quick to point out the shortcomings of mock meats, this remark is more positive than it may initially seem.

The Land of Kush does not try too hard to imitate the non-vegan versions the dishes are inspired from. They are careful to extract the natural, wholesome flavor and unique texture of seitan and soy, but with a soul food spin. The Mac & Cheese, as well as many of their entrees, is incomparable with the real thing, which is fortunate, because what they have come up with tastes much better.

For more information about vegan dining options across the US, see the VRG’s national restaurant guide: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

The Land of Kush is listed under Baltimore, Maryland.
http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/Maryland.php

Please join us for our 31st Annual Vegan Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner!

Sunday, November 18, 2012
5:00 P.M.
North Baltimore Mennonite Church
4615 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210

Admission is $4 per adult and children under the age of 16 are admitted free. Please bring a vegan dish that serves four as a contribution from each member of your party. A vegan dish is made without meat, fish, fowl, dairy, eggs, honey, or other animal-derived ingredients. Write the ingredients of your dish on a 3 x 5 card to accommodate guests with special diets. Also, please bring a serving utensil for each dish. Paper plates, cups, napkins, and plastic utensils will be provided; however, we suggest participants please bring their own reusable dishes and utensils in order to reduce waste.

If you are unable to cook, you may bring a prepared vegan dish for four from a local natural foods store or restaurant. We also encourage you to bring a non-perishable vegetarian canned food item to donate to North Baltimore Mennonite Church, who will distribute it to those in need.

Need recipe ideas? Check out our Vegan Thanksgiving page.

To volunteer or for more information email [email protected] or call (410) 366-8343.

We look forward to seeing you there!

By Christine Kasum Sexton, MPH

Linda Valley Villa is an independent living facility for seniors located in Loma Linda, California. The Villa was originally started by a Seventh-day Adventist seeking to provide a suitable vegetarian living facility for older members of the large local Seventh-day Adventist community. Since that time, Linda Valley Villa has been purchased by a different company, but the lacto-ovo vegetarian meals that they offer
have remained.

Currently, about 100 seniors live in the Villa. Eva Ortiz, the dietary supervisor, and her staff, prepare three meals each day for all of the residents. Eva has worked at the Villa for 23 years, and says that she has never really encountered any problems with providing vegetarian meals. It has not been difficult for her to find vendors for vegetarian foods. These days, according to Ortiz, larger vendors like Sysco are offering more and more vegetarian or vegan prepared foods and ingredients. While all residents must agree to follow a vegetarian diet, most are drawn to the facility specifically because it offers vegetarian foods. Currently, four residents follow vegan diets, which Eva and her staff cater to by substituting ingredients such as oats, other grains, or nuts for dairy items when necessary. Both vegetarian and vegan items can also be adapted for those needing special diets, including low-sodium and diabetic diets.

Some of the residents favorite dishes include Oriental Noodles, which are cold fried noodles mixed with stir-fried tofu and a variety of vegetables, “Chicken” with Dressing, which is fried mock chicken with a vegetarian gravy dressing, and enchiladas, made with either cheese or textured vegetable protein. Eva has come up with some of her own recipes that the residents particularly enjoy, including asparagus patties and mushroom patties. Other entrees that the Villa serves include vegetable casseroles, mock chicken patties or nuggets, pizza, “chicken” loaves, and herbed vegetable loaves. Also always available are vegetable side dishes, a salad bar, beans, sandwiches, and both fresh and canned fruits. The facility offers dairy, soy, and almond milks.

Eva keeps her menus fresh and her residents happy by meeting with them once a month to discuss which menu items they particularly like, and any suggestions they might have for changes or additions to the menu.

For more information about Linda Valley Villa, you can contact them at (909) 796-7501.

Linda Valley Villa
11075 Benton Street
Loma Linda, CA 92354

By Eric Sharer

GreenFest was held inside the iconic Navy Pier of Chicago, which is located jetting right outside of the heart of the city, providing an amazing view of the skyline and waterfront. The event itself was held in the large festival hall. This is a large space giving plenty of room for all the vendors, presenters, and visitors comfortably. Per the GreenFest webpage, the total weekend welcomed over 24,000 participants. This was very large venue, so it never seemed excessively busy or overwhelming and I would encourage anyone interested to visit the event in 2013! The crowd was quite a melting pot of all ages, demographics, beliefs, and cultures. It was a very fascinating mix of people. I would say the two most common age groups were people in their 20’s – 30’s and people in their late 40’s early 50’s.

A large majority of the crowd was familiar with the overall concept of vegetarianism/veganism, but many had questions about the reasons why one would pursue this or how to do so. Major topics of interest include the environmental impact of the livestock industry, vegan children, eating healthy on a budget, and gluten free nutrition. Many people were shocked to learn of the impact that eating animal protein, poultry, or dairy has on the environment and the earth’s supply of fresh water. People were surprised to learn that the largest user of fresh water is the livestock industry, since water is directly needed for drinking and cleaning of animals.

There were many conversations about all sorts of topics related to vegetarianism/ veganism. I had great talks with a few nurses, counselors, and teachers who wanted to spread the word on the benefits of vegetarianism/veganism to their students/clients/patients. Several school teachers who came to the booth were excited to share the Vegetarian Journal and coloring books with their students.

The Vegan Nutrition For Pregnancy and Childhood brochure was very popular for the many mothers or expecting mothers that I met who were interested in raising their children vegan, but were just looking for more information on how to do so correctly. Vegan Diets in a Nutshell really helped many people who were nervous making the transition to a vegan diet, much more achievable, since it clearly outlines all the important foods to eat while being vegan.

Outside of my participation during the event, volunteering for The VRG’s booth I was part of the opening ceremony, with The Earth Balance Plant Based Panel. This was a
panel of both local and national experts, specializing in various arenas such as nutrition, GMO, raw foods, media, etc. This was a very exciting panel which drummed up a very interesting and informative discussion related to vegetarianism. It was a special moment being able to represent myself as well as VRG at GreenFest Chicago! Video of this panel as well as the panel from other cities is available at the earthbalance website.

The VRG would like to extend our gratitude towards Eric Sharer, Chicago Volunteer Coordinator and his crew of volunteers who made our participation possible at GreenFest in Chicago on May 5th and 6th of 2012.

For more information about GreenFest, visit: www.greenfestivals.org/

Healthy Vegetarian/Vegan Volunteers May Join an Outpatient Research Study of Freeze-dried Broccoli Sprouts.

This study involves drinking a liquid dose of freeze-dried broccoli sprouts and collecting urine. Please call 410-955-1578 for more information. Participants will be paid for participation. Study subjects will be required to come to Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore) at least twice during the study.

By Shelby Jackson, VRG Intern

The growing demand for vegetarian softgels in America, Europe, and Asia has caused Fenchem Biotek, a Chinese Firm, to launch gelatin-free softgels. The rising demand can be attributed to cultural and religious values in Asia, as well as food safety concerns in the US and EU. Animal- derived products raise concerns due to their affiliation with mad cow disease and prion diseases. Some of the vegetarian softgels developed by Fenchem include lecithin, Q10, lutein, and natural vitamin E. “Vegetarian softgels have a bright future,” according to Fenchem marketing representative Shawn Hua. Softgels are beneficial because they assure an “ideal dosage form of oils and poorly absorbed products in the food supplement industry,” says Hua. Fenchem claims vegetarian softgels are particularly advantageous because of their longer shelf-life due to better water resistance and adhesiveness. Mass production of Fenchem vegetarian softgels will ensue at the end of 2012.

References
1. Culliney, K. Soaring vegetarian demands spur Fenchem softgel development. FOOD Navigator-Asia.com. 2012. Available at: http://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Business/Soaring-vegetarian-demands-spur-Fenchem-softgel-development/. Accessed July 25, 2012.

The contents of this article, our website, and our other publications, including the Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from companies. Information does change and mistakes are always possible. Please use your own best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. Further research or confirmation may be warranted.

For more information on food processing methods and food ingredients and to purchase our Guide to Food Ingredients, please visit our website at http://www.vrg.org/ingredients/index.php

By Shelby Jackson, VRG Intern

Caryn Ginsberg’s Animal Impact: Secrets Proven to Achieve Results and Move the World applies marketing strategy to animal advocacy, enlightening readers with an easy-to-comprehend, professional approach that is sure to push individual and organizational advocacy efforts to the next level. Ginsberg’s straightforward guide is packed into her ACHIEVEchange framework: Action and Animals, Create Benefits and Cut Barriers, How to Say Something to Someone Instead of Nothing to Everyone, I Am Not My Target Audience, Education Is Not Enough, Voice Matters, Evaluate, Don’t Guess. Animal Impact guides readers through the text by breaking each chapter into pieces and by proceeding each with an outline, and concluding with a recap. The book successfully engages readers through its interactive discourse and thought experiments that help readers realize for themselves why certain techniques are more effective than others. Animal Impact is a powerful tool for the animal rights movement and a must-read for those concerned about the well-being of animals.

Caryn Ginsberg will be speaking and signing copies of Animal Impact at the Animal Rights National Conference this weekend in Washington, DC. She has graciously agreed to donate a percent of the proceeds to the Vegetarian Resource Group for every copy sold at the conference. The VRG will have Caryn’s book for sale at our table. We hope to see you there!